“The More You Know” Autism PSA Starring “Parenthood” Cast

Many thanks to Peter Krause, Monica Potter, and Max Burkholder of NBC’s “Parenthood” who filmed this PSA to raise awareness about autism and Autism Speaks. This PSA, in the “The More You Know” series, aired after Tuesday night’s episode, Team Braverman, which featured members of the family participating in a Walk Now for Autism Speaks event.

We loved this episode. We have told our son he has Aspergers, he is 8 going on 9, in the 2nd grade, going into 3rd. I wonder if it was the right thing to do.. but he questioned all the Dr appointments and wanted to know what was wrong with him. We were just trying to be honest. While being evaluated by the school’s speech path and OT though, they mentioned that he brought up to them almost immediately that he has Aspergers, but couldn’t explain what that meant. I pray we didn’t make a mistake telling him. Now we are working with him to understand AS doesn’t define him and he is so much more than just a child with AS. Thanks for letting me share and thanks to Parenthood. I don’t know if Max really has AS if he as an actor is portraying it but he sure does great.

I love love love this show, I can finally relate to a family on televison that have similar obsticles such as our family. Autism is so life consuming and such a roller coaster ride for all of us. You grieve and then work really hard to move forward and then youre faced with situations such as telling your child she’s Autistic. I worry everyday about her making friends, being alone, what will she be able to do and not do, What her reaction will be when I tell her about Autism. It’s a 24 hour battle. and It’s so nice to show families across america what it is many parents and children go through when a family member is diagnosed. It’s so nice for people who have no idea what Autism is like they can see the show and realize it isnt this fatal disease, it’s not contagious,It’s not something to be feared. Now when people ask I say you need to watch Parenthood because Mckenzie is a lot like Max.